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Whether you want to explore Australia’s inland waters or check out some of the coastal bays, a fishing kayak can let you access some of the country’s least explored fishing spots – where big boats can’t reach.
If you’re looking for the best fishing kayak in Australia, we’ve made a list of our favourites to help end your search. To speed things up, our top pick is the Bay Sports Angler Pro XL because it’s packed with features and customisation options, and can handle Australia’s coastal waters.
Top 17 Best Fishing Kayaks In Australia
1: Bay Sports Angler Pro XL (best overall)
- Length: 430 cm
- Width: 76 cm
- Depth: 28 cm
- Weight: 34 kg
- Weight Capacity: 180 kg
This Bay Sports Angler Pro XL is the ultimate fishing kayak. It is packed with features and is designed to handle just about every type of water you can fish in. This Australian-brand kayak comes with a five-year warranty. And the UV-resistance rating is also guaranteed for five years.
This durable, large kayak is built for fishing in open water, with offshore capabilities. So it can be ideal for coastal kayak fishing or fishing in large lakes. It may be a little too long for fishing in small rivers, as turning may not be as easy.
This kayak has a whopping six flush-mount rod holders plus a swivel rod holder and two watertight hatches. There’s even a multi-function storage well that can be used as a live bait well. There are four accessory tracks so you can easily install a fish finder or GPS (both sold separately) without drilling.
The rudder can help you combat ocean currents and wind, and the added rocker can boost performance in waves.
This can be an excellent kayak for all-day fishing. However, the standard seat is not the most comfortable and is simply a back-band. But it is possible to upgrade the seat by purchasing the framed Stadium Seat for an elevated position off the deck and improved lumbar support.
Pros
- Made for offshore fishing
- Excellent storage
- Multiple rod holders
- Multi-function livewell
Cons
- Framed seat not included
2: Hydroten Big Dace Pro 10 (runner up)
- Length: 310 cm
- Width: 84 cm
- Depth: 36 cm
- Weight: 26.5 kg
- Weight Capacity: 200 kg
The Hydroten Big Dace Pro 10 is a super-stable fishing kayak with excellent storage solutions, making it our runner-up choice for the best fishing kayak in Australia.
What our number one pick, the Angler Pro XL has that this doesn’t have is space. This is over a metre shorter in length. But this could make it more suitable for smaller bodies of water and better for beginners looking for a kayak that’s easy to paddle and manoeuvre. It also comes with a paddle included.
One of the main advantages of this fishing kayak is the generous load capacity. This has a huge 200 kg capacity, meaning it can hold heavy gear and can be ideal for heavier paddlers.
Another fantastic feature of the Big Dace is the framed aluminium seat. This is designed to offer optimal comfort and support. It also gives you a better vantage point for sight fishing as the seat is elevated off the deck.
There’s a large bow hatch with a hinged lid, plus a second hatch behind the seat that can be ideal for storing ice. There are also rod holders, gear tracks for accessories, and a centre console.
This is a stable kayak that can handle waves and rough waters as well as flatwater. It has a built-in rudder system to help with tracking in moving water and wind.
Pros
- Stable in flat and rough waters
- Great for large paddlers
- Rudder system
- Paddle included
- Framed seat
Cons
- Not as roomy as our top pick
3: Hobie Mirage Passport GT 10.5 (best pedal kayak)
- Length: 320 cm
- Width: 86 cm
- Depth: 32 cm
- Weight: 34 kg
- Weight Capacity: 147 kg
The Hobie Mirage Passport GT is a high-quality pedal kayak from one of the best-known manufacturers of pedal kayaks. This is a compact fishing kayak with the MirageDrive GT pedal drive system with Kick Up Fins that flip up in shallow waters or if you hit logs or rocks.
With this pedal kayak you can power across the water hands free with less effort than paddling, meaning you can reach your honey hole faster, with more energy for fishing.
There are two flush mount rod holders, a finger-controlled rudder system, and two H-track mounts for easily installing accessories. It also conveniently comes with a paddle included.
This is a stable craft that can be perfect for fishing in lakes, estuaries, rivers, and the sea. It even has EVA deck padding for added traction if you want to stand up to fish.
There’s plenty of space for fishing gear, with front and rear cargo decks with bungee rigging to secure your belongings. You’ll also find an easy-to-access watertight hatch in front of the seat, so you can keep smaller items safe and dry.
However, this is not the lightest kayak, so you may need a second pair of hands to help you get it on and off your car, or a kayak trolley to get it to and from the water.
Pros
- Standing platform
- Pedal drive
- Rod holders
- Good storage space
- Paddle included
Cons
- Heavy
4: Bay Sports Pedal Pro Fish Tandem Kayak (best tandem fishing kayak)
- Length: 430 cm
- Width: 82 cm
- Depth: 40 cm
- Weight: 59.8 kg
- Weight Capacity: 300 kg
This Bay Sports Pedal Pro Fish Tandem has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from our pick for the best tandem fishing kayak in Australia.
This is a pedal kayak with the benefit of having two pedal drive systems – one for each angler. This is the ultimate tandem fishing kayak for new and experienced kayak anglers.
As well as being stable, even in choppy water, this is also designed for all-day comfort for both paddlers. It comes with two luxury Stadium Seats with adjustability forwards and backwards on tracks. The seats give you and your angling partner an elevated position for improved visibility and a drier ride.
With a generous capacity and lots of space, there’s ample room for fishing gear. Each paddler has access to a sealed hatch and a swivel rod holder. Plus there are additional rod holders, four gear tracks, and a large bow hatch. There’s even a transducer mount in the hull for a fish finder (sold separately).
You’ll also find a hand-controlled rudder system for added control and two paddle holders for when it’s time to fish. However, this is not a lightweight kayak. It weighs a lot but there are carry handles on both sides as well as at the bow and stern.
As an added bonus, it also comes with two paddles.
Pros
- Two pedal drives
- Elevated stadium-style seats included
- Great for all-day fishing
- Good fishing gear storage
Cons
- Very heavy
5: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130 Fishing Kayak (best inflatable fishing kayak)
- Length: 330 cm
- Width: 100 cm
- Depth: 33 cm
- Weight: 18 kg
- Weight Capacity: 181 kg